On Thursday, the Municipal Corporation carried out encroachment removal drives on Vihar and Keshi Ghats under the supervision of City Magistrate Manoj Kumar. Many temporary shelters, tin sheds and huts that were illegally occupying the ghat were demolished during the exercise.

The debris obtained was then dumped onto the river bed and along the banks causing accumulations of piles of stones and broken bricks. This happened in the presence of SDM Sadar Krantishekhar, Deputy Collector Rajiv Kumar, Additional Municipal Officer Satyendra Kumar Tiwari, CO Sadar Ramesh Tiwari and police personnel who took part in the campaign.

According to petitioner and social/environmental activist, Mahant Madhu Mangal Sharan Das Shukla, “On May 11 2015, the NGT prohibited the dumping of waste and construction debris on the Yamuna river bank. Instead of obeying the order, the Municipal Corporation is violating it openly. We will take the matter to the NGT again with proof.”